Filter apparatus

ABSTRACT

A centrifugal filter apparatus including a canister housing having a frusto-conical internal surface, and outlet adjacent the minor diameter of the internal surface and an inlet spaced axially toward a major diameter, a central annular filter element and centrifugal radial rotating fins extending radially from adjacent the external surface of the filter element to adjacent the generally frusto-conical internal surface of the canister having a generally frusto-conical outer surface conforming to the frusto-conical internal surface of the canister. In one embodiment, the filter apparatus includes a plurality of reaction canisters, where the outlet of the first canister is the inlet of the second canister and the radial fins drive reaction products from the first canister to the second canister.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority to a U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/502,549 filed Jun. 29, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/359,432 filed Jun. 29, 2011; this application is a continuationapplication of U.S. Ser. No. 13/536,527, filed Jun. 28, 2012, whichapplication is a continuation in part application Ser. No. 12/208,869filed on Sep. 11, 2008, which application was a continuation in partapplication of U.S. Ser. No. 11/942,525, filed Nov. 19, 2007, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,513,372 issued on Apr. 7, 2009, which application was acontinuation in part application of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/986,667 filed on Nov. 11, 2007 and continuation in partapplication of U.S. Ser. No. 11/531,986, filed Sep. 14, 2006, whichapplication was a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 10/863,798,filed on Jun. 8, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,122,123 issued Oct. 17, 2006,which application was a divisional application of U.S. Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 09/931,510 filed Aug. 16, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.6,761,270 issued Jul. 13, 2004 which application claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/225,895, filed Aug. 17, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a filter apparatus, particularly including adual-chambered, centrifugal and compressive filtration apparatus forseparating dry waste solids and fluids. In variations of this apparatus,bio-solids are reformed into valuable fuels for direct feed into fuelcells through a series of closely coupled reaction chambers. Thefiltration device of this invention may be used to remove micron sizedsuspended solids in fluids, refine or purify fluid fractions forrecycling and separation of immiscible liquids and solids into threephases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Residential, industrial, agricultural water and oil based wastes arepotentially a rich source of carbon that may be recycled or transformedto fuels. A prerequisite for transformation to fuel is generating aclean and dry solid feed source, which the centrifugal filter variationsof this invention are designed to do. Unprocessed wastes often includeincreasingly scarce fresh water, and potentially valuable sources ofhydrocarbon fuels. Disposal of wastes are now regulated under dischargelimits found in numerous Federal guidelines covering IndustrialPre-treatment, National Pollution Discharge, Effluent Limitations, andConcentrated Animal Feedlot. Many wastes sources are excluded fromlandfills, and land application is restricted for reasons of health andenvironmental safety. Current municipal and animal waste treatmentsystems employ some combination of chemical additives and mechanicalsettling means to separate solids from water, which are costly tooperate and maintain. By contrast, the double chambered high speedcentrifugal filtration of this invention will purify or refine fluidsgenerated in the solids-liquids separation, as well as dry and stabilizethe solid products. This combination is relatively small, mobile anddoes not require chemical pretreatment. In various formats thecentrifugal filter of this invention will generate fuel and energy bymeans of well known thermal processes, including flash pyrolysis andfuel reforming chemistries. The centrifugal filter reactor columnembodiments include means and methods to purify water, generate usefulhydrocarbons and electric power in highly integrated and stacked formatsfor continuous processing. These formats represent a significantcontribution to cost mitigation in waste management.

The filtration apparatus of this invention also addresses the need toseparate solids contaminated, waste water from emulsified fats and oils,including drilling muds. The flat wire apertures of this devicesuccessfully break the emulsion, which may thereafter be continuouslyseparated into waste solids, water and oil phases without chemicals. Afurther improvement in purification (refining) of water and oil or otherhydrocarbons is achieved in the high throughput centrifugal filter coneusing selective adsorbents. This combination device removes and releasesdissolved solids from the solvating liquids, while regenerating theadsorbent in a series of continuous cycles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cylindrical or cone-shaped centrifugalfilter column for removing dissolved and suspended solids frommunicipal, industrial and agricultural wastes, generating potable waterand recycled oil and bio-solids as feed stock for hydrocarbon fuelsgeneration. Inorganic chelates, including heavy metal contaminants andsolvated precious metals from mining ores, organic constituents andtoxins may be isolated and purified. Such purification with thecentrifugal filter occurs in a series if integrated adsorption,desorption, product isolation and adsorbent regeneration cycles. Theprocess is integrated with a selective adsorbent, tunable to dissolvedsolid properties, but running at high through-put rates attributable tothe physical properties of the centrifugal cone filter. Variations ofthis filtration device, operating at greatly elevated temperatures or atcondensing ranges in the cold, are combined in stacks for continuousflow operations from biomaterials processing to hydrocarbon generationand feed to fuel cells.

In one disclosed embodiment, the filter apparatus of this inventioncomprises a continuous resilient generally cylindrical helical coilincluding a plurality of inter-connected generally circular coils,wherein each coil has a substantially regular sinusoidal shape in thedirection of the helix, including opposed top and bottom surfaces ofadjacent coils in contact at circumferentially spaced locations formingloop-shaped filter pores between adjacent coils. In the disclosedembodiment, the continuous flexible resilient generally cylindricalhelical coil is formed from flat wire stock, such that the top andbottom surfaces of the inter-connected generally circular coils haveopposed flat top and bottom surfaces with the flat top and bottomsurfaces of adjacent coils in contact forming the loop-shaped filterpores. In the disclosed embodiment, the filter assembly includes afilter drive engaging the helical coil to increase or decrease thevolume of the filter pores to filter materials of a selected size. In adisclosed embodiment of the filter apparatus of this invention, thefilter apparatus includes a first filter drive engaging the helical coilcompressing or releasing compression of the helical coil to increase ordecrease a volume of the loop-shaped filter pores. Further, in thedisclosed embodiment of the filter apparatus of this invention, theapparatus includes a second filter drive engaging the helical coil androtating at least one of the generally circular helical coils relativeto a remainder of the circular coils into an out of registry, therebymodifying and accurately controlling a volume of the loop-shaped filterpores. The first filter drive, for example, may include a piston drivenagainst the helical coil by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure forcontrolling the volume of the filter pores and for quick release andexpansion during purging. In the disclosed embodiment, the second filterdrive may be a stepper motor for example connected to one of the helicalcoils and accurately rotating and controlling rotation of one of thegenerally circular helical coils relative to a remainder of the coilsrotating the helical coils into and out of registry and very accuratelycontrolling the volume of the filter pores from substantially zero to apredetermined volume. The flat top and bottom surfaces may also includeradial grooves providing flow of fluids through the helical coil andfiltering fluids into the submicron pore size. For example, the groovesmay have a depth of between 0.1 mm and 1 micron, or less. The diameterof the generally cylindrical coil will also depend upon the application.

In the disclosed embodiments of the centrifugal filter apparatus of thisinvention, the apparatus includes a canister housing having a conicalinternal surface, an inlet and at least one outlet. The filter apparatusincludes a central, generally cylindrical annular filter element, havinga plurality of circumferentially spaced filter pores which may be thedisclosed resilient generally cylindrical helical coil described aboveand disclosed in this application or an alternative conventionalgenerally cylindrical annular filter. In the disclosed embodiment, thefilter apparatus further includes rotating external centrifugal radialfins extending generally radial from an adjacent external surface of theannular filter element to adjacent the cylindrical or conical internalsurface of the canister housing and a drive mechanism rotating theexternal centrifugal radial fins which drive solids in the filtercanister radially outwardly against the cylindrical or conical internalsurface of the canister which may be removed through a solids outletadjacent the outer wall. In one embodiment, the external centrifugalradial fins are cantered and have the generally isosceles trapezoid formto conform to the conical internal canister surface. In the disclosedembodiment, the centrifugal filter apparatus of this invention furtherincludes internal centrifugal radial fins rotatably supported within theannular filter element and the drive mechanism rotates both the externaland internal centrifugal radial fins. In one embodiment, the internalcentrifugal radial fins are canted, and generally helical with aconstant negative curvature, driving liquid supernatant downwardlythrough a generally axial liquid outlet; in another embodiment, the finsare assembled radially in multiples coupled to a central, hollowmultiport column. The multiport arrangement circulates fluids or solidsvertically both upward and downward, in split stream manner, within theinner compartment. Further, the external centrifugal radial fins mayalso be canted and the radial fins may be rotatably driven by the drivemechanism in the same direction during filtering and the internalcentrifugal radial fins may be rotated in the opposite direction duringpurging. It will be understood from the illustrations to follow that thelength to width ration of these fins is generally greater than 4 to 1 togenerate a fluid spiral movement along the centrifugal column. However,there is included in another embodiment, a set of fins in which thewidth to length ratio is 4 to 1 or greater; the fins in this format alsoextend radially from the central drive, but they are multi-finassemblies canted radially. The fins consist of a central blade with twowings, which, during clockwise rotation about the central axis,transport contained fluids bi-directionally within the column. This4W/1L fin embodiment also generates a spiral movement of fluids as doesthe 4L/1W format. It will be shown to have a different function, namely,maximizing heat transport in modified centrifugal filters in which thefins of the inner compartment, inside the filter, require an efficientheat and fluid transport mechanism.

It is thus an object of this invention to provide a filtration apparatusfor separating and extracting suspended and dissolved solids from wastefluids, reducing the isolated solids to a state of substantial drynessfor conversion to fuels and stable fertilizers. Suspended solids areinitially separated in a wet state at the base of the column bycentrifugation, then fed through a valve to the core of a filtercanister where the remaining free fluids are pneumatically ormechanically expressed, forming a dry plug for discharge. The dissolvedsolids in the filtrate, centripetally separated, are pumped into asecond centrifugal filter containing an adsorbent which is preferablyselective for the dissolved organic or inorganic agents, whereupon theadsorbed agents are first rapidly sequestered then stripped from theadsorbent by a series of spin-dry cycles, with the adsorbent's activitybeing regenerated in a final cycle. The filtrate fluids are thusprocessed for recycling. In some applications, the organic or inorganicchemical species is to be concentrated and discarded, as in toxins,heavy metals or other wastes including traces of oils or fats. In otherapplications, the isolated and sequestered species may be a preciousmetal compound, such as a gold cyanate extract from ore, wherein thecyanate is removed in the decoupling cycle and the gold isolatedcentrifugally as a solid precipitate. The disclosed embodiment of thecentrifugal filter apparatus of this invention may include one or morecentrifugal functions separated by a self-cleaning sinusoidal coil whoseapertures may be precisely regulated in size and shape. Numerousdissolved solids separation cycles and applications noted areaccomplished in a linear series of coupled centrifugal filters or,alternatively, within a stacked series.

In one embodiment of the series or stacked arrangements of centrifugalfilters, the canister wall includes a liner, heated resistively or bysuperheated air. The heated liner pyrolyses carbonaceous solids incontrolled atmospheres. The solids thus vaporized to black bio-oil arerapidly catalytically de-oxygenated and condensed in a coupled series ofcentrifugal conical filters. This series is similar in process andchemistry to numerous other well known, alternative fuels generatingprocesses, which will be noted. There is described a spacing between theinsulating outer canister jacket and inner liner, which is used eitheras a space through which a refrigerant fluid or superheated air iscirculated, for flash condensation of hot hydrocarbon vapors or flashpyrolysis.

Not only may centrifugal and vertical transport functions occur internaland external to the sinusoidal filter coil, but the coil itself may becompound, i.e., the coils may be assembled concentric to one another, ina nested configuration as in FIGS. 8A and 8B, U.S. Pat. No. 7,531,372,except that the baffle separating the two filters is a solid electrolyteand the concentric filters are electrodes, as in a fuel cell. Therein,the filter apertures are the electrical conductors within which are heatfused the reducing or oxidizing agents. The combination constitutes afuel cell. Since this fuel cell must operate at elevated temperatureswithin the same range as hydrocarbon fuels are generates, the reasonsfor their being stacked or closely coupled will be understood. The fuelsgeneration and condensation processes are also extremely time dependent,on the order of microseconds to seconds, which further justifies thesacking design embodiments detailed in the following.

As will be understood by those skilled in this art, variousmodifications may be made the filter apparatus of this invention withinthe purview of the appended claims. The following description of thepreferred embodiments and the embodiments of the filter apparatusdisclosed in the appended drawings are for illustrative purposes onlyand do not limit the scope of this invention except as set forth in theappended claims. Further advantages and meritorious features of thefilter apparatus of this invention will be more fully understood fromthe following description of the preferred drawings and the appendedclaims, a brief description of which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially cross-sectioned side view of one embodiment of afilter assembly of this invention with the filter element fullyexpanded;

FIG. 2 is a partially cross-sectioned side view of the filter assemblyshown in FIG. 1 with the coils of the filter in registry andsubstantially compressed;

FIG. 3 is a partial top perspective view of the filter element shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the expanded filter element shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the filter element shown in FIG. 4 withthe filter coils partially in registry, reducing the size of the filterpores;

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the filter elements shown in FIGS. 4and 5 with the filter coils in full registry as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a centrifugal filterapparatus of this invention with the helical filter element fullyexpanded;

FIG. 8 is a side partially cross-sectioned view of the centrifugalfilter apparatus shown in FIG. 7 with the helical filter element fullycompressed;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the filter assembly shown in FIGS. 7 and 8with the motors removed;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 in the direction of viewarrows 10-10;

FIG. 11 is a partial side view of the internal radial centrifugal fins;

FIG. 12 is a partial side view of FIG. 9 in the direction of view arrows12-12;

FIG. 13 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the centrifugal filterapparatus with the internal radial fins within a double walled, coneshaped canister;

FIG. 14 is a partial side view of the internal radial centrifugal fins,as shown in FIG. 13, mounted on a pitch adjustable bracket; and

FIG. 15 is a partial side view of the dual aperture adjustmentmechanisms;

FIG. 16 is a partial 3 dimensional view of the centrifugal filterapparatus with an appended drying tube and reagent feed with suspendedadsorbent;

FIG. 17 is a partial 3 dimensional view of the centrifugal filterapparatus with appended drying tube and reagent feed, as shown in FIG.15, with spun-dry adsorbent;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the solids dryingtube;

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the centrifugalfilter, as in FIGS. 7, 8, 11 having internal and external fins incylindrical format, with a double-walled canister and dual filters in anested configuration separated by an electrolyte; and

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the centrifugal filtershowing the dual nested filters in a fuel cell format;

FIG. 21 is a partial 3 dimensional view of stacked centrifugal filters,as in FIGS. 15 and 16, joined by a flange enabling biofuels generated inthe first element to be transmitted to the second, electric powergenerating fuel cell;

FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of stacked centrifugalfilters, wherein the internal radial fins of FIG. 18 are multipleblade-fins are coupled to a multiport column for recirculation of coldor hot fluids;

FIG. 23 is a partial 3 dimensional view of the re-circulating blade-finsshowing their coupling to the extruded multiport column; and

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the multiport column with snap-onblade-fin assemblies internal to the centrifugal filter.

FIG. 25 is a side partially cross-sectioned view of the centrifugalfilter apparatus, as in FIG. 8, but showing fluid input and outputthrough pneumatic ports, circulating through hollow radial fins

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the filter assembly shown in FIGS. 8 and9, with the motors removed, indicating fluid flow into the radial finsthrough a radial feed disc.

FIG. 27 is a side, partially cross-sectioned view of the centrifugalfilter apparatus, as in FIG. 8, but designed to filter effluent stacksof combustion industries or vehicles of transportation as well as powera turbo-generator.

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the filter assembly of FIG. 27, indicatingfluid flow through pneumatic channels over the turbine blades, whichdrive the turbo-generator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As set forth above, the embodiments of the filter assembly of thisinvention disclosed in the following description of the preferredembodiments are for illustrative purposes only and various modificationsmay be made to such embodiments within the p and 9urview of the appendedclaims. Referring to the figures, wherein like numerals indicate like orcorresponding parts throughout the several views, a filter assembly forfiltering a fluid is generally disclosed at 10. It is understood thatthe filter apparatus 10 and method of this invention is capable offiltering both liquids and gases as the fluid. However, the filterapparatus 10 of the subject invention is more preferably used to filterfluids having solid particles including, without limitation, slurries ofbiological or organic waste, including oils. As such, the filterapparatus 10 may be used in combination with other devices, includingion exchange or chelation affinity apparatus for a filter press asdiscussed further below.

FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate one embodiment of the filter assembly 10 of thisinvention which may be utilized to perform the methods of filtrationdescribed herein. The filter assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includesa filter element 12 includes a continuous generally cylindrical helicalcoil having a plurality of circular interconnected helical coils 14 asbest shown in FIG. 3, wherein each circular helical coil has a pluralityof regular sinusoidal wave forms or shapes including circumferentiallyspaced peaks and troughs as shown in FIG. 3. The peaks “p” and troughs“t” of adjacent coils 4 are in contact to provide enlarged “loop-shaped”or eyelet-shaped filter pores between adjacent coils as shown in FIG. 4,or the peaks “p” and troughs “t” of adjacent coils 14 may be aligned asshown for example in FIG. 6 as described below.

The filter assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a lower housing18 having an inlet 20 and an outlet 22 for receiving a fluid stream tobe filtered, such as a waste gas or liquid stream as described above.The filter assembly 10 further includes a cover 24 which is supported onthe lower housing member 18 by circumferentially spaced inner and outerretention posts 26 and 28, respectively. A filtration chamber 30 isdefined between the lower housing member 18 and the cover 24 by acylindrical housing wall 32. Thus a fluid stream received through inlet20 is received under pressure in the filtration chamber 30 forfiltration by the filter element 12. The fluid stream includingcontaminants is then received through the filter pores or the radialgrooves as described below through the filter element 12 into the axialcenter of the filter element 12 and the filtrated fluid is thendischarged through the outlet 22. As described above, the particles,molecules or material removed by the filter element are removed bybackwashing as further described below.

This embodiment of the filter assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 furtherincludes a pneumatic cylinder 34 attached to and supported on the cover24 of the housing having an air inlet 36 and an air outlet 38. A pistonassembly 40 is reciprocally supported in the pneumatic cylinder orchamber 34 including a piston head 42 having an O-ring 44, such that thepiston assembly 40 is sealingly supported within the pneumatic cylinder34. The piston assembly 40 has a stroke “S” as shown in FIG. 1.Pneumatic pressure supplied through air inlet 36 of the pneumaticcylinder 34 will thus drive the piston assembly 40 downwardly from theposition shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 2 as described inmore detail hereinbelow.

In the disclosed embodiment, the filter assembly 10 further includes adrive assembly engaging the helical coil filter element 12 movingadjacent coils 14, thereby modifying and controlling a volume of theloop-shaped filter pores between adjacent coils as now described. In thedisclosed embodiment, the filter assembly 10 includes a stepper motor 46attached to and supported by the upper end of the piston assembly 40 asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As will be understood by those skilled in thisart, a stepper motor is a brushless, synchronous electric motor that candivide a full rotation into a large number of steps. When commutatedelectronically, the motor's position can be controlled precisely,without any feedback mechanism. Although a stepper motor has severaladvantages for this application, any other type of rotary drive may alsobe utilized. The driveshaft 48 of the stepper motor 46 is connected inthe disclosed embodiment to an upper end of the cylindrical helicalfilter element 12 to relatively rotate the filter coils to accuratelycontrol the volume of the loop-shaped filter pores 60 as describedbelow. The driveshaft 48 of the stepper motor 46 in the disclosedembodiment is connected to a coupling 50 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Ashaft 52 connected to the coupling 50 is connected to a clamp assemblyconnected to the upper end of the filter element 12. The lower end ofthe filter element 12 is rigidly connected to the lower housing member18 such that, upon rotation of the clamp assembly 54 by the steppermotor 46, the coils 14 of the filter element 12 are rotated relative toeach other as described below.

In the disclosed embodiment, the circular interconnected coils 14 of thefilter element 12 are initially aligned crest or peak “p” to trough “t”as shown in FIG. 4 with the filter pores or openings 60 enlarged totheir maximum. Alternatively, it would also be possible to initiallyalign the coils peak to peak and trough to trough. It is important tounderstand, however, that the width or amplitude of the sinusoidal waveor curve has been greatly exaggerated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 for a betterunderstanding of the filter assembly of this invention and the method offiltration. As set forth above, the volume of the openings orloop-shaped filter pores 60 of the filter element 12 in the filterapparatus of this invention may be accurately controlled to filterdifferent fluids. First, the piston assembly 40 may simply be extendedto compress the filter element, thereby reducing the size or volume ofthe filter pores 60 by supplying air under pressure through the inlet 36of the pneumatic cylinder 34. However, in one preferred embodiment, thedrive 46 rotates at least one of the coils 14 relative to the remainderof the coils, thereby relatively sliding the opposed flat top and bottomsurfaces of adjacent coils relative to each other into and out ofregistry, thereby accurately controlling the volume of the loop-shapedpores 60. Further, because the filter element 12 is formed of a stiffresilient metal, such as stainless steel, the loop-shaped filter pores60 are all modified simultaneously, such that all filter pores haveessentially the same volume, which is important for accurate control.

As best shown in FIG. 5, rotation of the upper coil of the continuouscylindrical helical coil filter element 12, by rotation of thedriveshaft 48 of the stepper motor 46 causes the peaks “p” of adjacentcoils to rotatably slide on the flat upper and lower surfaces 62relative to the remaining coils, reducing or expanding the apertures orfilter pores 60. Finally, as shown in FIG. 6, the sinusoidal-shapedcoils may be moved or rotated into full registry, such that the peaks“p” and troughs “t” are fully aligned. Again, however, the spacingbetween adjacent coils 14 has been exaggerated in FIG. 6 for clarity. Infact, the adjacent coils may be in full contact, such that the filterpores 60 between adjacent filter coils is reduced to essentially zero.However, in the disclosed embodiment, at least one of the opposed flatsurfaces 62 of the filter coils 14 includes circumferentially spacedradial grooves 64 permitting the flow of fluids through the filterelement when the filter pores 60 between adjacent coils are reduced tosubstantially zero. Thus the radial grooves 64 significantly increasethe applications for the filter assembly 10 of this invention.

Having described the embodiment of the filter assembly 10 of thisinvention as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the operation of the filter assemblymay now be described. In one embodiment of the filter apparatus 10 ofthis invention, the filter element 12 is a continuous substantiallycylindrical resilient helical coil having a regular sinusoidal shapeincluding regular peaks “p” and troughs “t” as described above. Thefilter element may be formed of stainless steel, such as 316 stainlesssteel, which is stiff and resilient. However, the helical coil filterelement may also be formed of a Hastaloy or other steel or even plastic.Another advantage of stainless steel is corrosion resistance. The coilpreferably has flat top and bottom surfaces 62, such that the flatsurfaces of adjacent coils will slide against each other during rotationas best shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. A suitable thickness between the flat topand bottom surfaces 62 is 0.4 to 2 mm having a width of between 3 and 6mm. The preferred number of sinusoidal waves of each coil will dependupon the application. However, it has been found that between 3 and 10sinusoidal curves or waves for each coil 14 will be very suitable formost applications. Further, the “width” of the loop-shaped openings orfilter pores will also depend upon the application, but it has beenfound that filter pores having a maximum width of about 0.5 mm issuitable for most applications. Finally, the depth of the radial grooves64, which may be formed by laser etching, is preferably between 11 to 10nanometers.

The filter assembly 10 is thus operated by adjusting the apertures orloop-shaped filter pores 60 to the desired volume for filtrationdepending upon the fluid to be filtered by either extending the shaft 52using pneumatic pressure through inlet port 36, driving the pistonassembly 40 downwardly in FIG. 1 to compress the coils against eachother, thereby reducing the volume of the filter pores 60. However, inone preferred embodiment, the stepper motor 46 may be simultaneouslyrotated to bring the peaks “p” and troughs “t” into and out of registryas shown, for example, in FIG. 5. As described above, rotation of theupper coil will simultaneously rotate all coils relative to the bottomcoil because the filter element is formed of a stiff resilient material,such as 316 stainless steel. The coils may be rotated into fullregistry, as shown in FIG. 6, wherein the filter pores are reduced tosubstantially zero and wherein the fluid flow is only through the radialgrooves 64. The fluid to be filtered is then received through thehousing inlet 20 into the filter chamber 30 and flows through the filterelement 12 as shown in FIG. 2. As will be understood, the filterapparatus may be used to filter almost any fluid depending upon thefilter pore size including, for example, residential, industrial andagricultural waste and sludges to produce, for example, potable waterfrom waste and may be used for the clarification and refinement of wasteoil from waste water-oil mixtures, etc. Upon completion of the filteringprocess or when the filter element 12 becomes clogged with the particlesor media suspended in the fluid, the filter element 12 may be easilyflushed by opening the filter pores 60 as shown in FIG. 1 and flushingsolution is then received through the outlet 22 and flushed through thefilter element 12. In the disclosed embodiment, backwashing may befacilitated by rotating the stepper motor in the opposite direction fromthe direction used to compress the coils 14 of the filter coil whilemaintaining the clamp assembly 54 in the extended position as shown inFIG. 2. Then, upon completion of the filtering process, the filterelement is “opened” by simply retracting the clamp 54 to the openposition shown in FIG. 1 which can be accomplished in a second or two.

The filter apparatus 110 illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 12 may becharacterized as a centrifugal filter apparatus or more specifically adual-chambered centrifugal and compressive filtration apparatus forseparating waste solids or fluids including, for example, waste solidsin oils, water and gas. The elements of the centrifugal filter apparatus110 are numbered where appropriate in the same sequence as the filterapparatus 10 described above, but in the 100 series to reduce therequirement for a detailed description of like components. The disclosedembodiment of the filter apparatus 110 includes a central annular filterelement 112 which, in the disclosed embodiment, is a continuous flexibleresilient generally cylindrical helical coil including a plurality ofinterconnected generally circular helical coils 114 as described abovewith reference to the filler element 12. However, the centrifugal filterapparatus of this invention may alternatively include any conventionalannular generally cylindrical filter element although the helical filterelement 112 is preferred in many applications.

The filter apparatus 110 includes a lower housing member 118, an inlet120, a supernatant outlet 121 and a solids outlet 122. The disclosedembodiment of the filter apparatus 110 further includes upper housingmembers 123, 124 and 125, which are retained to the lower housing member118 by circumferentially spaced retention posts. The disclosedembodiment includes a first annular filtration chamber 130 surroundingthe annular filter element 112 and a second filtration chamber 131within the annular filter element 112 as further described below. Thefirst filtration chamber 130 is defined by the cylindrical housing wall132 defining a cylindrical inner surface 133. In the centrifugal filterapparatus 110 of this invention, the internal wall 133 of the canisterhousing is preferably cylindrical to accommodate the centrifugal finsdescribed below.

The disclosed embodiment of the filter apparatus 110 includes a firstpneumatic port 136 adapted to compress the helical filter element 112and a second pneumatic port 138 adapted to expand the helical filterelement as described below. The apparatus further includes a pneumaticcylinder 134 receiving a piston 140 actuated by pneumatic pressurethrough the pneumatic ports 136 and 138 as described below. Thedisclosed embodiment of the filter apparatus 110 further includes amotor 142, such as a stepper motor described above, for rotating one ormore of the helical coils 114 relative to a remainder of the helicalcoils into and out of registry to finely adjust the eyelet-shaped filterpores 160 between adjacent helical coils 114 as also described above. Inthis embodiment, the motor 142 includes a drive shaft assembly 144connected to a drive gear 146. The drive gear 146 rotatably engages adriven gear 148 which is connected to a tubular driven shaft 150connected to the upper helical coil 114 as described above with regardto the filter apparatus 10.

In one preferred embodiment, the helical filter element 112 includesboth a first filter drive compressing or expanding the helical filterelement and a second drive rotating one or more of the helical coils 114into and out of registry for very accurately controlling the volume ofthe filter pores 116 between adjacent helical coils 114. In thedisclosed embodiment, the first drive is a pneumatic drive, whereinpneumatic pressure received through inlet pneumatic port 136 drives thepiston 140 downwardly in FIG. 7 to compress the helical filter element112. Alternatively, the first drive may be hydraulic. An advantage of apneumatic filter drive is that the compression on the helical filterelement 112 may be released quickly during purging. Detailed or accuratecontrol of the volume of the filter pores 116 in this embodiment iscontrolled by the second drive which, in the disclosed embodiment, is astepper motor 142. The stepper motor 142 rotates the drive shaft 144,which rotates the drive gear 146. The drive gear 146 rotates the drivengear 148 and the tubular drive shaft 150 connected to the upper end ofthe helical filter element 112 to rotate at least one of the helicalcoils 114 relative to a remainder of the helical coils, thereby rotatingthe helical coils into and out of registry as described above. FIG. 8illustrates the filter apparatus 110 after closing the filter pores 160using the pneumatic adjustment mechanism and rotating the helical filtercoils 114 into registry as described above with reference to FIG. 2.

In the disclosed embodiment of the centrifugal filter apparatus 110 ofthis invention, the apparatus includes external rotating centrifugalradial fins 162 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and internal rotating centrifugalradial fins 164 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. As described below, theexternal and internal centrifugal radial fins 162 and 164, respectively,cooperate during filtration and purging of the helical filter element112 to significantly improve filtering by the filtering apparatus ofthis invention. In the disclosed embodiment of the centrifugal filterapparatus 110, the external centrifugal radial fins 162 are rigidlysupported by upper bracket members 166 and lower bracket members 168 bybolts 170 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The upper bracket member 166 isalso rigidly connected by bolts 170 to the upper spindle 172 and thelower bracket members are rigidly connected to the lower spindle member174 by bolts 170. The upper spindle 172 is rotatably driven by electricmotor 176. The drive shaft 178 of the electric motor is fixed to anexternal drive gear 180, which drives a driven gear 182 fixed to theupper spindle 172. Thus, the electric motor 176 rotatably drives theupper spindle 172 which rotates the external centrifugal radial fins 162within the outer or first filtration chamber 130.

In the disclosed embodiment of the centrifugal filter apparatus 110, theexternal centrifugal radial fins 162 are also driven by pneumaticpressure as also shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper housingmember 123, which serves as a cover for the filter canister, includestwo pneumatic channels 184 and 186, which have a circular cross-sectionas shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Air under pressure is injected into thepneumatic channels 184 and 186 in opposite directions as shown by thearrows 188 to turn the turbine blade 190 at the outer surface of thespindle 172 as shown at 190 in FIG. 7. Thus, pneumatic pressure injectedthrough pneumatic ports 184 and 186 rotate the external centrifugalradial fins 162. In the disclosed embodiment, the lower spindle 174 isalso pneumatically driven. The lower spindle includes pneumatic channels192, 194 which drive a turbine 196 as described above with regard to thepneumatic channels 184, 186 and turbine 190.

As will be understood from the above description of the drives for theexternal centrifugal radial fins 162, the fins may be rotatably drivenby the motor 176 or pneumatic pressure injected through pneumatic ports136 and 138 in the upper spindle 172 and through ports 192 and 194through the lower spindle 174. As will be understood by those skilled inthis art, the motor drive and the pneumatic drives may be used incombination depending upon the type of motor 176 or independentlydepending upon the conditions. For example, where the waste beingfiltered by the centrifugal filter apparatus 110 must be continuous, thepneumatic drive may be used as a back-up in the event of an electricalpower failure.

In the disclosed embodiment of the centrifugal filter apparatus 110 ofthis invention, the internal centrifugal radial fins 164 as shown inFIGS. 9 and 11, are rotatably driven by electric motor 198 shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. The motor 198 is supported in a housing 200. The driveshaft of the motor 198 rotatably drives rod 202 and the internalcentrifugal radial fins 164 are mounted on the rod 202 as shown in FIG.9. Thus, the motor 198 rotates the internal centrifugal radial fins 164independently of the external centrifugal radial fins 162.

In the disclosed embodiment of the centrifugal filter apparatus 110,both the external and internal centrifugal radial fins 162 and 164,respectively, are canted relative to the axis of rotation of the fins todrive liquid in a predetermined direction. In the disclosed embodiment,the external centrifugal radial fins 162 are pitched or tilted relativeto the axis of rotation as best shown in FIG. 12. As will be understoodby those skilled in this art, the external centrifugal radial fins 162may be formed in a spiral or pitch prior to assembly in the filterapparatus 110 or the fins may be planar and pitched during assembly bysecuring the ends into the upper and lower bracket members 166 and 168as shown in FIG. 12. The internal centrifugal radial fins 162 in thedisclosed embodiment are spiral and secured by welding, brazing, orother methods of attachment to the 202 in a spiral around the rod asshown in FIG. 11. As used herein, the term “canted” includes any tilt orangle, including spiral, generating a radial or axial force on theliquid in a desired direction to improve filtering. To further increasethe rotational force on the liquid, the liquid waste is directed throughthe inlet 120 tangentially into the first annular filtration chamber 130as also shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The liquid waste is injected underpressure tangentially through the inlet port 120 into a spiral passageand exits through outlet 204 into the annual first filtration chamber130 generating an additional centrifugal force.

Having described the basic components of the centrifugal filterapparatus 110, the method of filtration by the filter apparatus will nowbe understood by those skilled in this art. The liquid to be filtered isinjected under pressure into the inlet 120 and the liquid is thendirected through the passage in the upper housing member 123 into theannular first filtration chamber 130, tangentially in the disclosedembodiment. The liquid to be filtered is very rapidly rotated in theannular first filtration chamber 130 by rotation of the externalcentrifugal radial fins 162, driving heavier or denser material in thefiltrate radially outwardly under centrifugal force against thecylindrical inner surface 133 of the housing wall 132. The solids arealso driven downwardly against the cylindrical inner surface 133 to thesolids outlet 122 adjacent the cylindrical inner wall 133. Duringfiltration, the internal centrifugal radial fins 164 are rotated todrive supernatant liquid downwardly toward the outlet 121, drawingliquid through the helical filter element 112 into the second filtrationchamber 131, providing a final filter for the liquid waste. As will beunderstood from the above description of the filtration apparatus 10 inFIGS. 1 to 6, the filter pores 60 between adjacent coils may be adjustedto filter solids of any dimension or size. Further, in this embodimentof the centrifugal filter apparatus 110, much of the filtration isaccomplished by the external centrifugal radial fins 162 which drivesolids radially outwardly to the solids outlet 122. The helical filterelement 112 of the centrifugal filter apparatus 110 of this inventionmay be easily backwashed quickly by injecting air through pneumatic port138, raising the piston 140, opening the filter pores and drivingbackwash liquid through the supernatant outlet 121 and reversing thedirection of rotation of the internal centrifugal radial fins 162,driving backwash liquid through the helical filter element and theexternal radial fins 162 then drive the liquid radially outwardlythrough the solids outlet 122.

The dual chambered centrifugal and compressive filtration apparatus 110will separate fluids and suspended solids into components based upontheir respective densities by an integrated combination of centrifugaland filtration mechanisms. Incoming fluids containing solids are rotatedat selected velocities, for example, 10,000 revolutions per minute, toachieve waste solids liquids separation in the millisecond to secondrange. This generates G-forces in the 13,000 range in a canister whoseradius is 15 cm. Solids separate from suspended fluid in thisgravitational field at clearing times proportional to their densitiesand masses. The suspension introduced at the inlet 120 deposits on thecanister inner cylindrical surface 133. Upon clarification, liquid mediais forced through the helical filter element 112. Heavy particles willclear quickly into the space between the external centrifugal radialfins 162 and the filter canister's wall 133. It will be noted that thedirection of rotation of the external fins 162 corresponds to thedirection of flow of the incoming solids and fluid suspension throughinlet 120. This parallel flow, where the suspended solids are introducedadjacent the outer surface subjects the dense and more massive particlesto maximum G-forces, at the point of greatest radial distance from thecenter of rotation. The solids dewater and collect at the inner surface133 of the canister housing, thereafter continuing to rotate downwardtoward the solids output or exit 122. The aspect ratio cross-section tocanister height may vary from 4:20 to 4:1 depending on volume throughputand time sedimentation time requirements. The solids clearing(sedimentation) time (T) is proportional to radial distance from thecenter of rotation (r), velocity (v_(f)) and density (dm) of fluidmedium, particle density (d_(r)), diameter (D²) and a rotationalvelocity (RPM²). From calculations using T=r/v_(f×D)²(d_(m)−d_(p))_(×RPM) ², where r and D are in cm., the clearing timesfor waste particles are calculated to be in the millisecond to secondranges at 10⁴ RPMs, well within the dwell times within this centrifugalfiltration device, if the volume is 20 gallons and the flow rate were tobe 60 gallons per minute.

As set forth above, the external and internal centrifugal radial fins162 and 164, respectively, may be canted with pitch values to reducematerials drag at high G-forces and to facilitate uniform radialtransport in that field with maximum sheer and solid particulates. Asused herein, “canted” includes angle or pitch as shown, for example, bythe angled external centrifugal radial fins 162 in FIG. 12 or the finsmay be spiral as the internal centrifugal radial fins 164 spirallysurround the central drive rod 202. The pitch values may also vary fromtop to bottom of the canister in a spiral manner, for example, tofurther reduce shear of incoming solids. The solids introduced at 120are subjected to centrifugal forces acting on the solids; the suspendingfluids, however, are driven by both centripetal (central orientingpressures) forces and negative (pull) pressures exerted by the internalcentrifugal radial fins 164. The suspended fluids are thus clarified.The combination rapidly and completely separates solids and liquids,without the use of thickening or flocking chemistries. It is apparentthat the internal and external centrifugal radial fins 162 and 164,respectively, along with line pressure force clarified fluids and solidsto exit that their respective outlets 121 and 122, respectively. Thecentrifugal fins simulate a conventional centrifuge head, except thatthe canister (head equivalent) is stationary and the fluids or solidsare in motion. The non-sedimentation solids rotate in a neutral zonesurrounding the helical filter 112 to be removed and combined with thesolid fraction upon periodic backwash. These sedimented solids exit thecanister or housing adjacent the cylindrical inner surface 133 of thecanister housing 132 through solids outlet 122.

As will be understood, the centrifugal filter apparatus 110 of thisinvention may be used to remove microscopic and submicroscopic particlesfrom industrial stack, combination engine exhaust, syngasses generatedby gasifiers and valuable machine oils. To extend the range of thefiltration to submicroscopic levels, the helical coils 114 may includeradial grooves as shown at 64 in FIG. 3 for filtration of submicroscopicparticles when the helical filter element 112 is substantially fullyclosed as shown in FIG. 8. The backwash will take no longer than threeseconds and may only infrequently be required due to the continuousremoval of essentially all of the suspended solids by the centrifugalaction of the external centrifugal radial fins 162. The backwash cycleis either called through computer-activated relays in response to anin-line pressure transducer at the inputs or is routinely set to occurat some time interval. This cycle can be repeated between any pair ornumber of pairs. The clean fluid diversion for backwash may only requirepartial diversion of the input from one of its pair where loads arelight. In the disclosed embodiment of the centrifugal filter apparatus110, filtration and driver shaft units are pressure sealed internallywith seals 206 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Further, because the externalcentrifugal radial fins 162 are rotated at very substantial velocities,the spindles bearings 208, such as fully caged brass bearings.

The centrifugal filter apparatus 110 may be used for clarifying usedmachine or vehicle oils, which are known to contain a wide distributionof metallic, silicone and plastic solids contaminants from millimeter tomicron size. Rancid oils also contain colonial bacterial forms withcross-sections exceeding ten microns. Clarification improves the abilityof reprocessing plants to recycle such waste products and blend for fuelin electric power plants. Most oils contain polar emulsifying agents toassist waste products and blend for fuel in electric power plants. Mostoils contain polar emulsifying agents to assist in the distribution ofwater and suspensions of additives, such as chlorinated paraffins. Theseemulsifying water-oil-particulate fractions referred to as micelles, arefound to form size-specific cross-sections in the range of 250 micronsand 50 microns. The flat wire helical filter element of this inventionis found to break up these micelles as a consequence of frictionalforces, assisted by heating. The flat wire helical coil filter element112 breaks the emulsions in three phases, which the centrifugal filterwill separate. After a micelle break-up with heat and passage throughthe helical filter element 112, the micelle cracks, releasing containedwater, polar emulsifying agents, particulates, chlorinated paraffin,which all separate from useful oil in the centrifugal filter apparatusof this invention by a three-phase split.

The centrifugal filter apparatus 110 of this invention may also becombined with ancillary equipment for further clarification of theliquid and drying of the solids. For example, the liquid or supernatantoutlet 121 of the filter canister may be directed to a chelating or ionexchange adsorbent column to remove soluble (waste) chemicals. Theliquid supernatant may be passed through a resin column, furtherpurifying the liquid. To achieve further drying and sterilization of thesolids exiting the filtration apparatus through solids outlet 122, thepartially dry solids may be directed into a filter press having a pistoncompression, for example, wherein the partially dried solids are heatedand compressed depending upon the application.

As set forth above, various modifications may be made to the filterapparatus of this invention within the purview of the appended claims.For example, various drives may be used to rotate the external andinternal centrifugal radial fins 162 and 164, including various types ofmotors and drive chains or belts. Although the disclosed embodiment ofthe centrifugal filter apparatus includes a helical filter element 112,in certain applications other more conventional annular filters may beused. The shape of the filter canister may be modified, as will be notedbelow, but in the above embodiment the preferred internal surface 133 iscylindrical. Further, although the filter drive preferably includes botha pneumatic piston drive and a rotational drive to open and close thefilter pores, the filter drive may only include one of the describedfilter drives. Further, although the external and internal centrifugalradial fins are preferably canted as described, the fins may also beplanar and perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and helical 164 orconical helical or isosceles trapezoidal 262 in shape.

The embodiment of this filter apparatus 210 illustrated in FIGS. 13 to22 may be characterized as a conical centrifugal filter apparatus ormore specifically a dual-chambered centrifugal device and with appendedcompressive filtration elements for separating and drying waste solidsfrom fluids and purifying or refining fluid filtrates. This includesseparating and purifying, for example, waste oils and water, as well asbio-fuels that may be generated within a modification of the centrifugalfilter. The elements of the centrifugal filter apparatus 210 arenumbered where appropriate in the same sequence as the filter apparatus100 described above, but in the 200 series to reduce the requirement fora detailed description of like components. The disclosed embodiment ofthe filter apparatus 210 includes a central annular filter element 212which, in the disclosed embodiment, is a continuous flexible resilientgenerally cylindrical helical coil, as noted above, including aplurality of interconnected generally circular helical coils asdescribed above with reference to the filler element 12. However, thecentrifugal filter apparatus of this embodiment this invention mayalternatively include any conventional annular generally cylindricalfilter element although the helical filter element as employed in 212 ispreferred in many applications.

The filter apparatus 210, in FIG. 13, includes an upper housing membercontaining an inlet 220, a supernatant outlet 211 and a solids outlet222. The disclosed embodiment of the filter apparatus 210 furtherincludes upper 243 and lower 242 housing members which retain, by meansof retention posts, the double walled canister 232 and its innercone-shaped liner 216, between which is an evacuated jacket 217. Theinner housing member 216, being cone shaped, allows the spinning fluidsentering 220 to spiral at increasing velocities toward the base andoutlet 222. This increase in angular velocity within the cone 216, andthe momentum imparted upon the suspended particulates, is a well knownpseudo-vector quantity with direction and magnitude, i.e.,(mass×velocity) perpendicular to the pseudo-gravitation force which is(mass×gravity). This pseudo quantity is illustrated by the right handrule (so called Coriolis force) in which, as the fingers pointed in thedirection of the motor's 276 spin, the thumb points in the forcedirection, toward the base of the centrifugal cone. The motor 276 anddrive shaft coupling 275, perform work on the suspended particulatesequivalent to 0.5 mv², which increases as velocity increases as momentumis conserved toward the bottom of the cone. The clockwise momentumconserving force also stabilizes the spinning cone, as in a gyroscope.This is distinctly different from the classical centrifuge head, whereslight variations in radial loading can generate wobble due to torqueimbalance. The disclosed embodiment includes a first annular filtrationchamber 262 surrounding the annular filter element 212 and a secondfiltration chamber 231 within the annular filter element 212 as furtherdescribed below. The first filtration chamber consists of thecylindrical housing wall 232 defining a cylindrical inner surface 233,the inner cone shaped lining 216 and the free space separating the twowalls 217. This free space 217 and the cone shaped inner lining 216provide the first chamber with its unique physical principal ofmaterials separation, as well as means to heat or cool the camber'scontents during operation within ranges between thermolytic 1500° F. andcryogenic at or below 238° F. In the centrifugal filter apparatus 210 ofthis invention, the internal wall 233 of the canister housing ispreferably cone shaped to accommodate the cone fitting isoscelestrapezoidal centrifugal fins 262 described below.

In the disclosed embodiment FIG. 14 of the centrifugal filter apparatus210, the external centrifugal radial fins 262 are rigidly supported byupper and lower bracket members 272. These brackets are either welded orbolted to a rigid rail 270, to which the fins 262 are bolted or welded.This bracket and rail assembly, if bolted, allows for horizontal pitchadjustment, with the bolts being set screw adjusted along supportingslots in the vertical rail, as shown in FIG. 14. The lower spindlemember 274 is also rigidly bolted or welded to the motor 276 drivecoupling 213. The upper bracket member 272, if not welded as one pieceto the guide rail 270, may ride on bearings 208 with isolating seals206, which permits the aperture adjustment mechanism 209 and 219 toremain stationary through this rotary bearing and seal couplingassembly. This rotary coupling assembly is essential, when it becomesnecessary to adjust the filter's aperture during operation, withoutinterrupting the centrifugal spin. The lower spindle 274 is rotatablydriven by electric motor 276. The drive shaft 275 of the electric motoris fixed to the motor drive by a coupling 213, which rotates the lowerspindle 274, which rides on a set of bearings 208, with its isolatinghigh pressure-low friction seal 206. Thus, the electric motor 276rotatably drives the upper and lower bracket spindle 272 which rotatesthe external centrifugal radial fins 262 within the outer or firstfiltration chamber 233.

In one preferred embodiment FIG. 15, the helical filter element 212includes both a first pneumatic filter drive 221, with its adjustablestroke set screw 273, compressing or expanding the helical filterelement and a second internal drive 209, with its Acme nut 220 whichrotates a piston 270, which is pressure fitted inside the filter 212,which, upon rotation either clockwise or counter-clockwise, moves one ormore of the helical coils into and out of registry for very accuratelycontrolling the volume of the filter pores between adjacent helicalcoils, as noted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. In the disclosed embodiment,specifically FIG. 15, the first drive 221 is a through hole pneumaticdrive, wherein pneumatic pressure received through inlet pneumatic port221 drives the piston 218 in FIG. 13 downwardly as, in FIG. 7, tocompress the helical filter element 212. Alternatively, this first drivemay be hydraulic. An advantage of a pneumatic filter drive 221 is thatthe compression on the helical filter element 212 may be releasedquickly and precisely during purging by filling the pneumatic cylinder275 and opening the filter to a gap distance 219 adjusted by a set screw273. By reversing the pneumatic pressure at 221, the filter closes to apredetermined aperture size 219. Accurate control of the volume of thefilter pores, as noted in FIG. 8, in this embodiment is controlled bythe second drive 209 which, in the disclosed embodiment, is a steppermotor. The stepper motor will depress the drive shaft 223, which iscoupled to the drive piston 270 through the acme nut 220. This stepperdrive, with its tubular drive shaft 223 connected to the upper end ofthe helical filter element at 212, both brings the spiral coils intoregister and sets the maximum aperture opening for backwash. Thepneumatic through hole drive 221 piston instantaneously opens and closesthe filter, to levels preset electronically by the stepper motor 209.The stepper motor 209, through its coupling drive shaft to the piston218 inserted into the bottom of the filter 212, sets the preferredaperture of the filter during its filtration cycle.

The solids output 222 in FIG. 13 is preferably controlled by a timeregulated valve 231 included in FIGS. 16, 17, 18. These solid residuesflow under pressure into the core of a drying filter 234, FIG. 18, wherethe filter element is the same spiral type 212 as employed in numerousother applications, including the centrifugal filter noted in FIG. 13.The drying filter functions as a filter press, when the spun dry solidsfrom 222 are flowed under pressure from the centrifugal filter throughthe valve 231. The filter's apertures are operated 219, 221, by thepneumatic mechanism described in FIG. 15, while the retained solids arebeing compressed pneumatically by a compressor introducing compressedair through the in line inlet 229. The apertures allow free liquids toexit from the filter into a enclosing drain tube 232 and thereafter outthe drain outlet 230. Additional free water from the solids, retainedinside the filter, may be removed by injecting hot air from thecompressor, thus vaporizing bound fluids from solids to achieve higherlevels of dryness, typically between 50% and 100%, for example, fromanimal wastes which may retain 50% moisture after filter pressing alonewith ambient air. Self cleaning of the filter press element is done byinjecting compressed air or fluid through 233, which forces particulatesadhering to the inner surface of the filter 212 through the filter pressoutlet 279, upon opening of the outlet valve 232. A pneumatic drive 221,as illustrated in FIG. 15, may be activated to open and close the filterduring this self cleaning backwash of this filter press. The dry solidsplug retained within 212, and backwashed 233 solids, are both expressedunder pressure through the discharge valve 232.

The backwashing mechanism for the centrifugal filter 210 of FIG. 13 isfurther illustrated in three dimensional embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17.In this context, there is described means to remove dissolved solidsfrom fluids, including oil and water. The three way valve 235, in FIG.16, is closed to prevent filtrate throughput, but open to backwashthrough 228. Either the discharge filtrate 234 from the drying filterpress 234 or clean fluids from an external source may be flowed backthrough the filter's core 212 through 228. Backwashing fluid flowsthrough the apertures, thereby freeing solids retained by the filterinto the external chamber 223. Following a high speed spin of thecentrifugal filter in FIG. 17, the suspended solids pellet as in 224,and, with the three way solids exit valve 231 open, the solids exit thecentrifugal filter into the solids drying filter 234. Following thisbackwash cycle, a new batch of suspended solids and fluid is fed backinto the centrifugal filter in FIG. 16 through input 227, where a spin,backwash and dry cycles are repeated.

In FIGS. 13 and 18 the solids as described accumulate in a stabilizeddry form, but the filtrate 230 remains contaminated with dissolvedsolids. This contamination is partially remedied through installation ofa manifold input 227 with reagent metering ports 225, 226. Organic andinorganic phosphates, for example, are rendered insoluble upon theaddition of as lime through one of the metering ports. The thensuspended solid precipitate entering the centrifugal spin chamber 223separates and pellets together with other incoming suspendedparticulates 224. Thus, both suspended and the dissolved solidprecipitate exit 222 to the dryer 234.

It will be understood from the above that the centrifugal filter andfilter press, metered feeds, air compressors, motor and valves will becombined in closed system under computer control. The motor 276determines rotational velocity, rpm, of suspended solids within thechamber 223. Clearing time to pellet 224 is largely proportional to thesquare of the rpm and cross sectional mass of the suspendedparticulates. The Coriolis momentum vector, as noted above, and forcesso generated force particulates to process toward the base of the conetoward the output collection port 222. However, at 50 rpm and below, forexample, suspended solids 223 in the outer chamber do not settle as apellet 224, because centrifugal and centripetal and buoyancy forces willapproximately balance. Taking advantage of this mixing feature,suspended particulates introduced at 227 may instead be selectiveadsorbents solids or resins 223 as in FIG. 16, not solid contaminants.These adsorbent solids 223 are illustrated as model organicnano-polymers bound together through silicon 236 and other bindingcomplexes 238 to a support base 239, The selective adsorbent ends 237,240 are nitrogen based; these 237,240 functional groups are chelatingligands. These chelates capture specific metals or organic compoundsfrom solutions based on a combination of molecular shape and size aswell as coordinate covalent bond and electrostatic affinities, whereasion exchange resins rely on electrostatic interactions alone. In thisspecific chelating resin, the ligands may either be tuned acidic 238 orbasic 240 as needed to capture anions or cations. The Lewis acids 237(⁽⁻⁾NH₂) or bases 240 (⁽⁺⁾NH₃) selects for cationic metals and anionicorganic, respectively. For example, cobalt and nickel in cobalt miningfacilities are both extracted from ore as cyanide complexes, where thechelating resin selectively separates the cobalt from nickel and cyanideanions; the cobalt-resin complex is broken with alkali and the metalhydroxide separated and refined by conventional smelting to generatemetallic cobalt. Many other precious and semiprecious metals, includinglanthanides and rare earth used in the electronic industries, aresimilarly derived by heap leaching (extraction) from low grade ores. Inthe current embodiment 210, FIG. 16, the chelating resins mix 223 in theouter chamber at rotor mixing speeds less than 50 rpm in the process ofselectively capturing the metal, which occurs rapidly within seconds.However, at speeds up to 500 rpm, the resins with their captured metalpellet on the walls toward the base of the cone 224 in FIG. 17, with thesuspending fluid and unwanted waste solutes exiting through the filter212 and the filtrate output port 228. This selective chelation,occurring within seconds, is a first order reaction, i.e., the metalwith the greater affinity constant binds immediately in anon-competitive reaction. This immediate bonding and removal of metalscompeting for binding sites is significant, given that there are nointerfering liquid-solids or competitive exchange reactions tocomplicate the adsorption process, as is the case in ordinary fixed orfluidized bed adsorption columns. Next, the solutes so loaded onto theadsorbent are desorbed with a decoupling agent, such as an alkali, whichis metered in line at 225. This de-coupling reagent re-suspends theresin, as in 223, and simultaneously displaces the captures solutes fromthe resin. This frees the solutes, for example, the metal, into solutionagain. A third high speed spin re-pelletizes the resin 224, with thesolutes separating through the filter 212 and output port 228, wheresolutes, for example, metal hydroxide, may be concentrated and processedto industrial grade. Such processing was noted above for cobalt, butother chemical means are common. These means may also use thecentrifugal technology described herein to sequester valuable chemicalsand discard contaminants. This decoupling reaction with alkali leavesthe resin in the basic form 240; re-suspension by addition of aneutralizing acid 226 restores the active acidic binding form of theaffinity resin 240, which, upon being pelleted dry 224, is ready forreloading with dissolved solids solutions through 227. It will be notedhere that the chelating resin, a dendritic nano-polymer 238 may becoupled to a support matrix 239 through a binding complex 241; thisresin may be designed with chelation sites in the form of rings 244which trap or sequester solutes with highest affinity, based on bondingand stereo-specific properties. All functions of the centrifugal filter,including valves 235, metering devices 225. 226, filter apertures 212and motor drive speeds are under computer control such that thesuspension and dry cycles are preset. It is particularly to beunderstood that the pneumatic aperture adjustment mechanism described219, in FIG. 15, is closed during mixing and open during spin cycles.This dissolved solid recovery applies to both aqueous and oil basedfluids; contaminants may be removed from machine oil during recycling,precious metals such as gold sequestered from low grade ore. Mercury andarsenic compounds have been separated from contaminated industrialfluids by sequential steps to non detect, parts per billion, levels togenerate potable water using these resins.

In another embodiment of 210, FIGS. 16 and 17 of the centrifugal filter,including particularly the external valves 235, 231 and correspondingoutput ports 228 and 222, vibrating densitometers or viscometers areinserted in line with these valves. These monitor the physicalproperties of fluids at the output points. Separating, for example,water and oil and suspended solids, is frequently desirable, in order torecover and recycle lubricants or fuels or drilling muds or machinegrinding swarf. At a constant flow 227 of such immiscible liquids intothe centrifugal chamber 223, the more dense water and solids separate ina wedge along the walls and toward the bottom of the chamber 224, whilethe oil collects in a cylinder around the cylindrical filter core 212.The Coriolis momentum forces the heavier fluids and suspended solidsinto the wedge 224, where the spacer 236 prevents the wedged fluids andsolids from entering the filter space 212. Feedback from thedensitometer or viscometer combinations at 235 and 231 regulate valveopenings at the two exit points simultaneously, allowing only oilyliquids through 228 and watery through 222. The drying filter 234 is setat apertures to remove suspended solids from the watery output. If thedensitometer, for example, detects a change in fluid density of oil at228, indicative of a watery contaminant, the valve at 231 is marginallyfurther opened to increase the flow of water from 222. In this manner,compensating and balancing valve response performs a three phaseseparation of the water and solids from immiscible oily fluids. Whilethese valve are operating in feedback mode, the rotating centrifugalradial fins 262 operate at speeds in excess of 500 rpm to maintain thephase separations, where the water and solids occupy the cone wedge onthe chamber wall 224 and the oil conforms to a cylinder surrounding thefilter's cylinder 212, but in its own phase during transport across thefilter. It is important to here note that the flat wire filter aperturesshown in FIG. 3 are adjustable to break water and fine particulatesemulsified in oil, or alternately, a similar suspension in water. Thesesuspensions form micells on the order of 250 microns surrounding coreparticulates or smaller, largely water, oil and emulsifying agents atapproximately 45 microns; passage through the flat wire filter at 25microns removes particulates and water, while breaking the otherwisestable micelle and releasing the oil for purification through the filter212. Emulsifying agents are additives to machine oil, but are foundnaturally in crude oil; their removal before recycling or refining inthis manner may substantially reduce processing costs.

In yet another embodiment 340, FIGS. 19 and 20, the external andinternal centrifugal radial fins 362 and 364, respectively, cooperateduring the operation of a fuel cell, fabricated from filter coils as inFIG. 3. These fins facilitate delivery of oxygen to the cathodic sideand fuel gasses over the anode. The internal 362 and external 364compartments are separated by a matched set of helical coils whichconstitute anode and cathode. This set is a concentric filter coreseparated by an active spacer element. This application is a nestedconfiguration, FIG. 20, 336, 337 wherein the external member 336functions as an anode and the internal member 337 is a cathode.Separating the two is an active spacer, a solid electrolyte 338. Thenested filter application ionizes oxygen pumped into 311 the cathodicchamber 364 and metered out 338. The oxygen is actively transportedthrough the electrolyte spacer 338, driven by the potential differencebetween cathode and anode. Ionized oxygen thus transported to the anode336 is reduced by one of several possible hydrogen sources. This sourcemay include hydrogen stripped from a hydrocarbon being fed continuously320 through the input port, with products (CO₂ and H₂O) metered out thebase port 322. The electrodes are coupled through two contacts 339 fromthe anode and 342 to the cathode from to an external motor 341 orelectric power grid. It will be noted 335 that the anodic chamber 362 isheated resistively, although and external heat source, as in FIG. 13,217, may be flowed through the space 317 between the canister wall 332and inner wall 316. A slow, 50 rpm, rotation of the fins in the anodicchamber 362 maintains heat transport from source 316 to incoming fuel.The anodic 362 chamber and fins may be cylindrical as in FIG. 19 or,preferably, conical as in FIG. 15. The fins will alternate between slowmixing 50 rpm and high speed spin 500 rpm to meter products out theexhaust 322 and its valve 338 as feedback from in line sensors at 338require. The conical form as indicated in FIG. 13 is preferable, sincedownward Cariolis pressure will force products toward the bottom of thechamber or exhaust. The height to diameter ration of the anodic chamber362 is not represented in FIG. 19; this ratio will be adjusted infabrication to meet the column requirements for reducing (i.e., H₂, COor other) fuel input 320 and product output 322 kinetics. Kinetics willdepend upon the fuel source and voltage difference between anode andcathode. It will be understood that a metal oxide filter external to 322exhaust and its valve may be added to remove CO₂ and H₂O products fromreactant fuels, such that un-reacted and unused fuels may be recycledinto the anodic chamber 362 through 320.

It is a further property of the centrifugal filter and its nested fuelcell configuration, that the filter coils 64, in FIG. 3, are laser orphoto-chemically etched to a depth in the submicron level. When thesecoils are out of register 60, in FIG. 4, they enclose aperture spaces inthe micron range. The arrangement of laser etched ridges 342, FIG. 20,are illustrated in expanded view, wherein the ridges or micron spacesretain anodic 336 and cathodic 337 pastes applied between the coils.These electrically conductive coils are formed from inconel steel, whichare either largely nickel as cathode or nickel with substantial iron asanode. The cathode's free space is filled with a nickel oxide paste,while paste in the anode's free space contains ferrites. The coils arethus matched with catalytic ceramic pastes, such that they may be fused(fired) at temperatures between 1200° C. and 1300° C. without separatingor thermal cracking. The electrolyte spacer 238 is formed from astabilized zirconium tape, which is a conducting electrolytic sheettransporting the oxygen anion from cathode to anode. When thistri-laminate 336, 338, 337 combination is fused, they form a compatiblehigh temperature operating solid oxide fuel cell. Stabilized zirconiumelectrolytes tape is wrapped tightly around the central cathode 337,with a diameter just slightly smaller than the anode 336, and closelyfitted surrounding it. The fuel cell tri-laminate is tightly fitted intoits sealed base 342 and header 343 support pieces. It may be noted thatthe relative location of anode and cathode as shown may be reversed withminor changes in fuel and product transport.

In another embodiment 442, FIG. 21, the hydrocarbon fuels generatingrector column of FIG. 13 and the fuel cell 340 of FIG. 20 electric powergeneration functions can be combined as illustrated in FIG. 21. The fuelcell column 440 is stacked above a hydrocarbon generator 410 and coupledthrough a common flange 454. The column 410 may, as noted, generateseveral fuels including hydrocarbons through flash pyrolysis or carbonmonoxide and hydrogen from gasification or hydrogen by hydrolysis.Fuels, when introduced from the fuels generator 410 through a one wayvalves in the flange 454, may be consumed directly for electric powergeneration in the fuel cell 440. Both the fuel cell and the fuelsgenerator operate in the same range between 1200° and 1400° F., suchthat heat from the fuels generator may be used to sustain the solidoxide fuel cell operation. This stacking configuration is the preferredmeans, although series coupling as may be inferred from FIGS. 16 and 17,to guarantee first order kinetics (i.e., reactants proceed directly toproducts without undergoing secondary reactions or back reactions). Toachieve first order kinetics and generate a high yield of hydrocarbons,without coke and other complex by-products, the first formedhydrocarbons products must be removed and condensed in seconds, whichjustifies stacking or similar linkage of reactors as shown in FIG. 21.Provision for heating 416 and condensation 417 within the centrifugalfilter was noted above in FIG. 13; this function is also allowed in thestacked version, FIG. 21, by means of an external heat or coolant fluidsource 453 circulating hot or cold fluids through the jacket as in 417,FIG. 13. In FIG. 21, as shown in detail in FIGS. 19 and 20, 339 drivesthe helical fin 364 that transports oxygen 311 to the cathode 337through exhaust 338 with a metering valve. In FIG. 21, power is beingdrawn from the fuel cell 440 circuit through 441. The fuel cell iscoupled to the fuel generating column 410 through the flange 454;bio-solids are fed into 410 through 420, where pyrolysis or gasificationor hydrolysis occurs at high temperatures sustained through a heatsource or resistively. The by-products are removed through 422, itsvalve and collector 416. It is important to note that this stackedconfiguration, with its ports and valves, external heating or coolingsources may be used also to generate fuel gasses in 410, using 440 as acondenser, not a fuel cell. An alternative is a three stacked unit,coupled with two flanges, where 410 is fuel gas generating, 440 is adeoxygenating catalyst column to convert bio-oil vapor to improvedhydrocarbon, with a third stacked unit (not shown) as condenser or fuelcell. Each of these elements and their alternative combinations areinterchangeable, based on which customized products are required.

In a similar embodiment, FIGS. 22, 23, 24 include a stacked set ofcentrifugal conical filters, but using the electronic drive mechanisms476, 477 and pneumatic through-hole aperture adjustment drives 446, asdescribed in detail, above, in FIGS. 7 and 8. The drive mechanisms 476and 477, with their gearing, is both coupled to a set of internalchambered fins 480, 459 and external centrifugal fins 476, 477, suchthat both the external and internal fins rotate at velocities set bytheir respective drive motors 476, 477. The external fins 476 rotatewithin frusto-conical chamber surfaces. The central helical fin 164 inFIGS. 7 and 8, in the present embodiment 459 and 480 in FIGS. 22, 23,24, is replaced with a radial set of fins attached to a hollow drive447. The drive is hollow to accommodate fluids flow from a heat torch444 or refrigerant fluid circulation 445 through a rotary coupling 478to the core 447 of the drive shaft, also shown in cross section in FIG.24. The filter 412, FIG. 22, in the top-most chamber 462 is driven bythe piston 411, which opens for backwash and closes to a pre-setaperture in response to the through-hole drives 446. The drive shaft 451extends from the piston 411 to a second disc 452 into which a secondfilter 412 located in the bottom-most chamber 461. These 462, 461cooperative mechanisms allow the pneumatic drive 446 to regulate theapertures of both chambers filters simultaneously. It will be noted thatthe drive motor 476 rotates the set of fins 480 in top chamber 462independently of the motor 477 driving the set 459 in the bottom chamber461. Correspondingly, the rotary coupling 478, heat 444 and coolingfluids 445 inputs that service the top chamber 462 are duplicated by anidentical set servicing the bottom chamber, adjacent the drive 477. Thiscombination of stacked chambers, with separate drives 476, 477 and finsets 459, 480 along with heating and cooling sources 444, 445 circulatedindependently through the fin sets provide unique cooperative propertiesto the stacked chambers as noted below.

These cooperative properties are further shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. Incross section, the hollow drive 447 contains a core shaft propelledindependently by the motors 476, 477. As is apparent in FIG. 23, thehollow shaft 447 is a multiport column to support circulation of hot orcold fluids from external sources 444 and 445, as indicated by thedirection of the arrows 458 and 457, toward and away from the fins 459.There are three multiport coupling points 465 in FIG. 23, indicated incross section 461, FIG. 24. Of equal significance are the central blade459 and wings 456 proximal to the multiport column and 455 distal fromthe column. As the column is rotated clockwise by the central driveshaft 484 within 447, the fluids within the filter 412 are transported456 as shown by the arrow's direction up 454 the column (north), whilethe fluids are simultaneously carried down 462 the column by the otherset of wings 455, in a split stream manner. It will be apparent that abaffle would be installed between blade sets 459 to insure non-mixing offluids in their transport up and down the column. Also indicated byarrows in the blade 459 of the fin set is the direction of transport 486to and from the multiport column's contact points 461 through whichcirculation occurs between the fins 459 and the external heat or coldsources 244, 445. It will also be apparent that circulation 486 may beextended into and out of the wings 456, 455 to provide greater surfacearea for heat exchange between the fins 459 and the reaction space 487enclosed by the filter 412.

In the stacked embodiment covered in FIGS. 22, 23, 24 it remains toexplain the means by which reactants are introduced to the reactionchambers and how the products are withdrawn or transported from onechamber to the other. With respect to the blade 459 of the fins, thereis indicated a spine 485 contacting the multiport column, which may beused to directly deliver hot or cold fluids directly to the column fromthe external sources or it may be used to withdraw products from thereaction 487 space enclosed by the filter 412, where from the productsare conducted to one of the ports indicated 445. Other options forproduct removal include from the outlets 430 in the top unit, outlets481 in the base unit, and outlet 450 from the plenum 486 embedded in theflange between chambers 461 and 462, which all withdraw from the chamberspaces external to the filters. Feed and withdrawal of reactant solidsand fluids, as well as backwashing will occur through inlet 420 andoutlet 422 with collector 416 in the base, through the two way valveindicated. There are additionally two two-way valves 482 in the flangebetween chambers 461 and 462, one of which is located proximal to themultipost column and the other distal to it, such that the split streamproduct flows 464 and 463, may pass from the bottom 461 chamber to thetop 462 or the reverse, from top to bottom, depending on the reactionsbeing accommodated. It will be obvious from FIGS. 7 and 8, having dualdrive motors 176 and 142 with dual gears drives 146, and 180, that thetop and bottom drive motors 476 and 477 in FIG. 22 may also be dual topand bottom. With such a dual drive in the FIG. 22 stacked embodiment,the number of stacked chambers could therefore be three or four or anynumber, since the drive shaft core 474 may be nested, one within theother with staggered gearing as in FIGS. 7 and 8. This accommodatesmultiple stacks, each with separate fin sets, separate circulationsystems through the rotary coupling 478, with separate external heatingand cooling 444, 445 and rapid product transport between chambers. Gasphase reactions proceed in the second to millisecond time frame, whereit is of utmost importance to pass the products of one reaction, forexample biogas from pyrolysis, to catalyst for de-oxygenation, to athird catalyst for cracking, to a condenser in a fourth chamber. Thereare numerous other reactions in the chemical thermal degradation,catalysis and synthesis in which the instantaneous removal of productsfrom feed in rapid sequence insures that unfavorable reactions with weakequilibrium constants may be coupled to stronger ones, insuring nonequilibrium thermodynamics, as in coupled biochemical and cellularreactions. Coupling fuels production with fuel cell utilization instacked centrifugal filters through a flange 454 containing two wayvalves 482 is an alternative application of centrifugal filtrationstacking, where input-output ports are also designed for side-by sidestacking of chambers to accommodate multiple coupled reactions andchemistries. The filter element and its submicron apertures may alone orwith electro-catalytic and transport ceramics be understood as amultiuse membrane, which, with stacked intercellular chambers, simulatethe materials transport and chemical potentials of biological cellularstructures.

In the earlier disclosed embodiment 110, an electric motor in FIG. 8drives a driven gear 182 fixed to an upper spindle 172, which rotatesthe external centrifugal radial fins 162 within an outer filtrationchamber 130. As shown in FIG. 9, the upper housing member 123, servingas a cover for the filter canister, includes two pneumatic channels 184and 186: similarly the lower spindle 174 is also pneumatically driventhrough pneumatic channels 184, 186 which drives a turbine 190 shown inFIGS. 8 and 9. In the disclosed embodiment of FIG. 25, these samepneumatic drive structures are modified to enable circulation of eithercooling or heating purposes. As shown in FIG. 25 the pneumatic channels493 and 491 and bolt 170 are rigidly connected to the spindle members174 and turbine 190 shown in FIG. 26. However, in this embodiment, thespindles 174 are bolted to the fin brackets 166 by hollow bolts 498.These hollow bolts inter connect the spindle's 190 chamber 499 with thehollow fin 495. Hot or cold fluids introduced through 493 and 491 flowcontinuously through the hollow fins 495 and exit through the channels494 and 496 in the lower spindles. The chamber surrounding the fins isnot limited to cylindrical, as the fins are not limited to rectangularand planar shapes, but may be rotate 262 within a frusto-conical chamberas noted in FIGS. 16 and 17 and shown in detail in FIG. 13. The motordrives may be top mounted 176, as in FIG. 25 or coupled through a driveshaft at the base 276 as FIGS. 16 and 17. It will be apparent fromdescriptions for FIGS. 22, 23, 24 that the multiple locations of drivemotors, as well as entrance and exit points, are designed for maximumflexibility, such that chambers may be stacked or coupled in series orparallel in hydrocarbon generation processes.

The centrifugal filter embodiment of FIG. 25, as described, is astand-alone modified embodiment of the basic solids-liquids separationdevice of FIG. 8, but designed for hydrothermal liquefaction, flashpyrolysis, condensation, and catalysis. For example, the through holepneumatic driver 136 and 138 will completely shut the filter's aperturesin order to contain the feed stock solids, water and alkali in a 4:1ratio, and sustain pressures within the vessel in excess of 2000 psi.The temperature and pressure is raised within the vesicle by hot fluidcirculation through the rotating hollow and spiral fins 495, which areshaped to fit a frusto-conical chamber of FIGS. 16 and 17. Whilepressure increases with steam generation, it may be necessary tointroduce waste organic and accompanying non organic waste underpressures on the order of 2000 psi while at temperatures approaching350° C. to retain the aqueous component in a liquid state as completelyas possible to promote liquefaction of the organics.

During the hydrothermal catagenic process, and while spinning within theclosed and valved chamber, organic solids will separate from the heaviernon organics, such as glass and metal within the conical chamber 497. Asnoted in FIGS. 16 and 17, a low speed spin below 500 rpm will force theheavy non organics and excess water toward the canister wall 132.Simultaneously, the liquified oil product collects in a cone next theclosed filter 112. The filer's apertures, once opened, as described inFIG. 7, allows the oil product under pressure to exit through thefilters core and out the base 121 toward the next phase of the nextpyrolytic phase. Opening the filter's solids output valve 122 in likemanner forces the solid residues, which have collected 492, to exit thebase through the valve at 122. This oil is partially de-polymerized,which process is completed in a second reactor, similar to the first,but operating dry at set temperatures between 500° C. and 800° C.Throughput times are preferably less than a minute at temperaturesdouble those in the first chamber. The heat transfer process isaccelerated due to a more efficient exchange between the hot metal finsand liquid crude oil in the absence of oxygen. The carbon chains arethereby de-polymerization to chain lengths on the order of C₆-C₈. Thiscoupled steam (hydrothermal) reforming process, followed by a flashpyrolysis, accommodates mixed unsorted waste sources as feed stock. Theheat source and temperature through the channels 493 and 491 may beregulated by an external heat torch or other on site means as diagrammedat 453, FIG. 21.

The hydrocarbon product from the above hydrocarbon generation processmay contain on the order of 10% oxygen, depending on the source of thewaste feed stock. A commonly available zeolite is used to filter outthis unwanted component by using one of the chamber devices in FIG. 21,22 or by passing the pyrolyzed vapors products over zeolite loadedinternal to the filer 112 with its mixing spiral 164, FIG. 25. Thezeolite may, upon saturation, be backwashed and regenerated through 120,as described elsewhere.

There remains a condensation phase in the liquid hydrocarbon sequence.This is accomplished by passing a refrigerant or cryogenic coolant, suchas liquid nitrogen, through the channels 493 and 491 from an externalsource noted in 453, FIG. 21. The rate of passage through the hollowfins 495, 496 and continuous spin to remove the hydrocarbon condensatefrom the de-superheating cold faces of the fins, under high G-forces,accelerates the process by increasing the heat transfer coefficient.Freezing or adsorption of product fouls the condensing surface; theselection of rpm values will be regulated by load rate.

There is yet another embodiment the follows the modification of thebasic centrifugal filter in FIG. 25 with its combined motor andpneumatic drive capabilities. It is evident that the combined drives 172and 178, riding on the same set of bearings 208 that the motor in FIG.25, 176 could be replaced with a an electric generator 176 in FIG. 27.This embodiment would suggest that installing the device in anindustrial or marine flue stack as in 502 of FIG. 27. The high velocityeffluent 499 is conducted into the pneumatic channels 491, 193, 492, 494of FIG. 27. The electric generator 178 is then driven through itsgearing 172, 178 by the turbine blades 190, FIG. 28. The exit velocitiesat 499 are typically on the order of 1000 to 75,000 cfs. Given theventure confinement on passage through the pneumatic ports 493, 491,494, 492, the pressure on the turbine blades 190 in the base and headerof the device in FIG. 27 would be considerable, which translates tocorresponding power output at generator 176. This design constitutes avertical shaft turbo-generator. Moreover, an additional environmentalasset occurs when the exhaust from the turbine blades is reintroduced,as shown in FIG. 28, at 120 into the chamber surrounding the filter 162.The hot gassed exiting pneumatic ports 491 and 493 as shown in the topcross section in FIG. 28, are reintroduced for particulate removal andexit as filtrate at 500 in the base, thereafter conducted the stack'sexit point 500. It is therein possible to feed the clean flue gasthrough an adiabatic heat engine for additional energy recovery fromlarge but inefficient combustion processes. It will be noted thatparticulates will accumulate at 192 in a centrifugal field, particularlyin a cone shaped chamber, where they may be release into a bag filterfor storage or disposal. Both the pneumatic orifices in the base andheader contribute to centrifugal particulate deposition as well as powergeneration as noted.

Having described preferred embodiments of the filter apparatus of thisinvention, the invention is now claimed as follows.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reaction filter apparatus including a centralannular filter, wherein the central annular filter comprises a dual setof generally cylindrical generally coaxially aligned helical coils, eachcoil having relatively flat opposed surfaces impregnated with a fuelcell redox active agent creating anodic and cathodic reaction chambers,separated by an electrolyte; and said reaction chambers located externaland internal to the redox active impregnated coils, which provides fuelsto a dual fuel cell filter element.
 2. The reaction filter apparatus asdefined by claim 1, wherein each coil of each of said coaxially alignedhelical coils include free spaces within its helix into which redoxactive agents are impregnated, forming cylinders not limited by lengthsand corresponding capacity.
 3. The reaction filter apparatus as definedby claim 1, wherein each of said coaxially aligned helical coils are onepiece impregnated redox agents and electrolyte whose length and crosssection is determined by output requirements.
 4. The reaction filterapparatus as defined by claim 1, wherein said generally coaxiallyaligned helical coils comprise a continuous flexible resilient generallycylindrical coil including a plurality of interconnected generallycircular helical coils, each coil having a regular sinusoidal shape inthe direction of the helix.
 5. The reaction filter apparatus as definedby claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a dual drive mechanism forengaging and separately driving said helical coils.